The broadcasting regulators in Jamaica have banned music and TV broadcasts that seem to glorify criminals, violence, drug use, scamming, and weapons. The government of Jamaica aims to cut back on materials that give the wrong impression and could mislead the youth into doing wrong.
The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica vigorously believes that music that normalises criminality will play a major role in bad things. Music in general reflects life, and this is the picture Jamaican recording artists are painting. Everyday circumstances are their inspiration at present.
As expected the ban didn’t come without resistance from Jamaican recording artists who criticized the move as the wrong approach, stating that the government should focus on the primary source.
Di Genius is an international producer and artist who has made beats for some of Dancehall elite recording artists, and he had this to say: “Art imitates life, and the music is coming from what is happening in Jamaica for real,”
There is a problem in Jamaica pertaining to gun violence but the real question has always been where are these guns coming from. Jamaica doesn’t have a gun factory, and normal citizens don’t have the power to import firearms, so where are all these guns coming from?
The ban also implies that any slang words to do with making money, wire transfer, acquiring wealth, or flashy lifestyle should not be used on radio and TV. With these bans in place, this could be looked at as a ban on free speech.
Jamaica has been in a pandemic for almost two years, and normal Jamaican people are feeling the pressure more than ever. Maybe this has a role to play in the increased tension on the street. It hasn’t been the first Jamaica has banned music off its airwaves for one particular reason or the other.
Once upon a time foundation, Rasta music was also banned from Jamaica radio. Now in an age where radio doesn’t play the primary role in bringing music, videos, or slang to the masses. This is all done via streaming platforms like Spotify, Youtube, and social media.
Will this ban have an effect on change?